Wortham residents believe development fears fall on ‘deaf ears’

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Published:11:00Saturday 21 March 2015

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A group of Wortham residents fearful of further development behind their homes believe their objections are falling on “deaf ears”.

Housing association Orwell Housing is proposing to build a further eight units on land at Howards Crescent, behind homes in Howards Close. A formal planning application has not yet been submitted to Mid Suffolk District Council, although one is expected next month.

Members of all 12 households of Howards Close have signed a petition, opposing the number and types of dwellings proposed, which has been sent to Wortham and Burgate Parish Council, Mid Suffolk District Council, and Orwell Housing.

Residents say they are fearful of increased traffic during a potential construction period, proximity of dwellings, loss of amenity space, and a decrease in house value.

They are calling on further consultation and a public meeting to be held to discuss the plans.

Speaking on behalf of concerned residents, Terry Drum said: “We have been totally ignored through this situation.

“The residents feel that the amount of properties would be turning our close into an estate.”

Orwell new business manager Gregg Dodds said their were no plans to meet again with residents, but said the housing association were to meet with the parish council, and did not rule it out.

Wortham and Burgate Parish Council chairman Stephen Rash said last week he was supportive of Orwell’s proposal, although he conceded it can be hard to strike a balance between concerns of existing residents and the needs of the wider community.

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